How punishment avoidance motivation inhibits prohibitive voice behaviour: the role of blame risk and occupational reputation

Prohibitive voice is essential for public sector change but often suppressed by perceived risks. Drawing on voice and conservation of resources theories, this three-wave longitudinal study examines how punishment avoidance motivation (PAM) inhibits voice through the mediating role of blame risk (BR). Results show PAM increases perceived BR, reducing prohibitive voice behavior. However, occupational reputation (OR) serves as a moderator: when OR is high, BR’s negative effect becomes insignificant. This study advances understanding of the psychological barriers to voice and provides insights for fostering critical feedback in public organizations.